Vogue's Watches Report: After bracelets come bangles
A ladies' timepiece used to be a bit of an afterthought for many watchmakers. Going by the releases and design trends this year at Watches and Wonders, the world's biggest horological showcase, that is surely no longer. Pursuits of beauty, poetry and (surprise!) usefulness are making the ladies' category perhaps the most exciting it's ever been. In this series of Vogue Watch Reports, we curate 2025's most noteworthy releases from Geneva. Here, a cheeky answer to the question of 'what comes after the bracelet?' Why, watches with bangles, of course! Courtesy of Cartier
Bracelets have gotten some major love this year, but their distant relative, the bangle, is no slouch either. Since Cartier's yellow gold bangle Baignoire hit a goldmine of popularity last year, this style has been on the rise.
The Parisian jeweller-watchmaker, in fact, seems to have been surprised by its own success—the bangle-style watch was on a waitlist, with very limited sizes. This year, it's amping up the Baignoire on a bangle with a version that's dotted with diamonds informally nicknamed 'polkadot'. Courtesy of Chanel Courtesy of Chanel Courtesy of Chanel
Chanel, meanwhile, is upping the jewelled aspect of its octagonal cocktail watch with the Première Galon. The new designs are now cased in solid 18-carat gold, with twisted gold bracelets to match—'galon' is French for braid, and takes its reference from the braided trims of Chanel's tweed suits. Courtesy of Bvlgari Courtesy of Bvlgari
And at Bvlgari, the Roman house has given its snake icon the Serpenti its first major reimagining this decade. Enter the Serpenti Aeterna, which abstracts the snake form into geometric arrowhead shapes and which curls around the wrist as a hinged bangle.
Vogue Singapore's June 2025 'Gold' issue is available on newsstands and online.
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Vogue Singapore
3 hours ago
- Vogue Singapore
Vogue's Watches Report: After bracelets come bangles
A ladies' timepiece used to be a bit of an afterthought for many watchmakers. Going by the releases and design trends this year at Watches and Wonders, the world's biggest horological showcase, that is surely no longer. Pursuits of beauty, poetry and (surprise!) usefulness are making the ladies' category perhaps the most exciting it's ever been. In this series of Vogue Watch Reports, we curate 2025's most noteworthy releases from Geneva. Here, a cheeky answer to the question of 'what comes after the bracelet?' Why, watches with bangles, of course! Courtesy of Cartier Bracelets have gotten some major love this year, but their distant relative, the bangle, is no slouch either. Since Cartier's yellow gold bangle Baignoire hit a goldmine of popularity last year, this style has been on the rise. The Parisian jeweller-watchmaker, in fact, seems to have been surprised by its own success—the bangle-style watch was on a waitlist, with very limited sizes. This year, it's amping up the Baignoire on a bangle with a version that's dotted with diamonds informally nicknamed 'polkadot'. Courtesy of Chanel Courtesy of Chanel Courtesy of Chanel Chanel, meanwhile, is upping the jewelled aspect of its octagonal cocktail watch with the Première Galon. The new designs are now cased in solid 18-carat gold, with twisted gold bracelets to match—'galon' is French for braid, and takes its reference from the braided trims of Chanel's tweed suits. Courtesy of Bvlgari Courtesy of Bvlgari And at Bvlgari, the Roman house has given its snake icon the Serpenti its first major reimagining this decade. Enter the Serpenti Aeterna, which abstracts the snake form into geometric arrowhead shapes and which curls around the wrist as a hinged bangle. Vogue Singapore's June 2025 'Gold' issue is available on newsstands and online.
Vogue Singapore
3 hours ago
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The Longchamp X Constantin collab presents a new house emblem
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Courtesy of Longchamp Known for his work rooted in graphic simplicity and manual gestures across illustrations, paintings, and ceramics, Riant draws inspiration from the 'Paris' of local artisans—the upholsterer shops and booksellers that line neighbourhood streets to the luthier and the picture framers. This collection is an ode to the ones that keep the city's creative heart beating. One that feels like a quiet walk through the very soul of Paris—unlike the polished, postcard-perfect version, but the layered, lived-in city one, where art is tucked into every nook and cranny, and there is a certain beauty in the ordinary. The collection comprises of six exclusive pieces, each rendered in a classic palette of cobalt blue and white—a nod to Riant's ceramic roots and the utilitarian charm of traditional workwear. 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Courtesy of Longchamp How did you encounter Constantin's work? What is it about his vision that made him the perfect collaborator for this collection? Sophie Delafontaine: I've known Constantin for several years and have followed his work since the beginning. Our shared passion for craftsmanship and artistry field made this collaboration a natural fit, as our two worlds align perfectly. I wanted to illustrate the beauty of artisans through the eye of a native artist who could capture the city atmosphere and its artisanal heritage. Constantin imagined a poetic universe while celebrating those who bring the capital to life. How does this collaboration reflect Maison's commitment to supporting emerging artists, while also honoring the dynamism of cultural creativity beyond fashion? SD: Maison Longchamp always had a close relationship with art. Supporting emerging artists is a continuation of that bond, allowing us to maintain a kind of freshness in creativity. Our aim is to act as a springboard for these up-and-coming artists—a catalyst for their visibility—helping their talent and work reach the broadest possible audience. Each new collaboration is both a discovery and a challenge—entering the artist's world, understanding their aspirations, and transforming it all into a Longchamp product that is both aspirational and respectful of our heritage and DNA. For this collection, Constantin Riant—as Parisian, young artist and a highly creative spirit—embodied many values reflecting Longchamp's spirit. Courtesy of Longchamp Let's talk about the emblem—given that it's such a crucial part of the house. What were the guidelines given to Riant with the new design? SD: Constantin did a great work translating Longchamp's codes into a single emblem—from the first leather-covered pipes to the iconic 'Le Pliage' bag, leatherworker's tools as well as a plane and a boat symbolising the brand's international expansion. The idea was to use these symbols to express the connection between past and present in a very visual way—with placed on pieces inspired by artisans' workwear wardrobe such as a painter vest. This emblem truly finds its meaning and brings a more authentic twist to the collection. The scarf is described as the 'star piece' of the collection. Why did you decide to spotlight such a classic accessory, and what does it symbolise? SD: The collaboration is meant as a complete set of six exclusive pieces (bags and ready-to-wear) all reflecting Constantin's universe with his very distinctive blue and white colour palette. The scarf 'Les Artisans de Paris' holds great meaning as it embodies the quintessential Parisian 'flâneur' spirit. It pays tribute to the artisans and their charming shopfronts found throughout the city—an upholsterer, a bookseller, a florist, among others. I love the idea of taking time to explore the city and neighbourhood, and rediscovering the details that make Paris such a unique and inspiring destination. Courtesy of Longchamp Constantin, you've have described this project as exploring Paris like a tourist. What parts of the city inspired you the most during this creative journey? Constantin Riant : I'm often most inspired by the hidden or secluded corners of the city, though I also love the historical centre of Paris like all Parisians. What makes Paris truly remarkable is that each neighbourhood has its own distinct identity, aesthetic, and community. It's this diversity that gives the city its unique charm and richness. Walking along the river Seine banks, whatever the weather is one of my favourites. Courtesy of Longchamp The colours cobalt and white have become your signature as an artist. What do they symbolise to you? CR: Cobalt blue and white are closely tied to my ceramic practice. When I first began working with ceramics, I wanted to use a recognisable colour palette that echoed the tradition of ceramic arts, from Chinese and Japanese vases to Portuguese azulejos and classic French tableware. I found inspiration from traditional slip glazes such as Delft blue and the Bleu de Sèvres, as well as the bright white of porcelain and faience. These tones have since become an integral part of my artistic identity. Longchamp is known for heritage and craftsmanship. How did reimagining the Le Pliage bag for this collection allow you to merge tradition with innovation? CR: I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to create a new version of the Le Pliage bag by preserving its iconic shape and silhouette, while infusing it with my colour codes, illustrations, and aesthetic. This fusion allowed us a balance between tradition and creative innovation, that resonates with my work. Courtesy of Longchamp You've designed a new logo for the maison. Can you share the story and inspiration behind its design? CR: I loved looking into Longchamp's archives, savoir-faire and craftsmanship to identify key visual elements that would reflect the brand's rich heritage. From there, I created a design that pays tribute to that legacy, reinterpreted with my visual language. Fashion and art have a symbiotic relationship. What kind of dialogue did you and Longchamp aim to create between these two overarching disciplines? CR: I believe that artists offer fashion a fresh perspective, a unique vision and universe to explore. Fashion allows artists to work within new formats and constraints, pushing their creativity in different directions. I think these two disciplines constantly inspire one another and often serve as powerful indicators of future trends and creative movements. 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Rounding things off are the Essence of Yellow Trombino ring, which showcases a dazzling 45-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond, and the Magnus Emerald necklace, which flaunts a monumental 241.06-carat Colombian emerald, the largest ever used in Bvlgari's history. CARTIER Unveiled recently in Stockholm, Cartier's latest high jewellery collection, En Equilibre, is a poetic study of tension and movement. French for 'In Balance', En Equilibre explores the delicate harmony between fullness and void, symmetry and asymmetry, restraint and radiance. Crafted over 100,000 hours by Cartier's master artisans, En Equilibre exemplifies the maison's architectural vision and technical finesse, where every stone appears suspended in a state of elegant equilibrium. Among the highlights is the Shito necklace, where a pair of 49.37-carat Zambian emerald drops anchor an asymmetrical silhouette. Set on platinum and framed by pear-shaped diamonds, the piece is a feat of discreet engineering as even its clasp is hidden within the elegant X-shaped motif. The Hyala necklace, featuring a 5.71-carat oval-cut diamond pendant, showcases an airy, web-like quality, thanks to the delicate rose gold workmanship that creates the impression of stones set directly onto the skin. Cartier's signature animal motifs also take centre stage. Panthere Dentelee reimagines the house's iconic big cat in lace-like openwork white gold, layered over strands of Colombian emerald beads. The Panthere Orbitale sets the sleek feline atop a coral cabochon surrounded by amethysts and onyx, striking a bold contrast in form and texture. The Tsagaan necklace evokes the elusive snow leopard through interwoven geometric motifs set with kite-, lozenge- and triangle-cut diamonds accentuated by onyx accents. A trompe-l'oeil effect renders the feline's head visible or hidden, depending on the viewing angle. Other standouts include the transformable Pavocelle necklace featuring an incredible 58.08-carat Ceylon sapphire, and Traforato, a dramatic, optical wonder in black, white, and green. CHAUMET Chaumet's latest high jewellery capsule collection, Bamboo, is a striking ode to nature, crafted with symbolic reverence and artistic precision. This 10-piece graphic parure pays homage to Asia's revered flora, capturing its upright elegance, strength, and supple resilience in shimmering gold and precious stones. A continuation of Chaumet's 240-year tradition as a peerless naturalist jeweller, this collection surprises by placing the underexplored motif of bamboo – symbolic of integrity and prosperity – at the heart of its contemporary aesthetic. A key piece is the bib necklace, where yellow and white gold branches cascade in a plunging V-shaped silhouette, centred around a 13.19-carat black Australian opal and 12.91-carat tsavorite garnet. The creation's dynamic articulation lends a lifelike fluidity, a testament to Chaumet's savoir-faire. Three bold brooches offer versatility, with transformable elements and flowing diamond bands, while the rings highlight the capsule's slender silhouette, showcasing tsavorite garnets and opals in refined harmony. A regal tiara completes the set – an abstract crown where engraved foliage dances with light, echoing the momentum of growing bamboo. DIOR The French maison presents the Diorexquis haute joaillerie collection, which celebrates the legacy and passions of Monsieur Dior through the visionary lens of Dior Joaillerie's artistic director, Victoire de Castellane. This new chapter unfolds as a triptych of themes central to the house's identity: magical galas, blooming bouquets, and enchanting landscapes. Each piece in the collection is a meticulously composed scene that evokes the passage of time and changing seasons. Icy winter splendour gives way to the exuberance of spring flora, culminating in the luminous joy of summer light, all expressed through an interplay of gemstones layered over mineral backdrops hemmed in diamonds. Dior's mastery of craft shines through in techniques such as the opale doublet, where layers of opal are mounted on mother-of-pearl or onyx to create ethereal, watery hues. The plique-a-jour technique further elevates the high jewellery pieces, using Dior Joaillerie's signature lacquer to create miniature stained-glass windows that allow light to stream through clusters of sparkling colours. FRED Nearly 90 years after Fred Samuel founded his namesake maison, Fred reaffirms its legacy as The Sunshine Jeweller with a new high jewellery collection spanning two chapters, 1936 and Soleil d'Or Sunrise. Comprising 19 creations, the house captures the spirit of light, colour, and movement that defined its visionary founder's designs. Paying tribute to the year the house was established, the 1936 chapter sees a total of 10 pieces featuring a trio of gemstones and pearls channel Samuel's contemporary flair and love for transformable, dynamic designs. Architectural curves nod to the original boutique on Rue Royale in Paris, with sweeping lines and interlacing arches that evoke light in motion. The Colombian emerald suite features a necklace with a central stone of over four carats nestled in an upturned arch, accompanied by matching earrings and a ring. Next, Sri Lankan sapphire pieces include an elegant necklace elevated by a 7.13-carat royal blue stone, earrings, and ring flaunting a sapphire over six carats. Meanwhile, the Mozambique ruby collection blazes with a supple choker necklace, ring, and earrings displaying intense pigeon blood hues, while cultured Akoya pearls grace a long necklace with interlacing diamond-pave arches. In Soleil d'Or Sunrise, the house honours its most iconic stone, the 105.54-carat Soleil d'Or yellow diamond, through nine contemporary pieces designed for everyday wear. A striking bib necklace features a central 2-carat fancy intense yellow diamond. Transformable diamond rings and earrings in yellow and white gold allow multiple style options, while a matching brooch completes the solar-inspired collection. LOUIS VUITTON The Louis Vuitton Virtuosity High Jewelry collection is a spectacular showcase of savoir-faire and liberated creativity presented in 110 one-of-a-kind pieces across 12 evocative themes. Conceived as a two-part journey, from The World of Mastery to The World of Creativity, it pays tribute to the maison's codes, while fearlessly transcending them. The World of Mastery is anchored in technical excellence and traditional savoir-faire. The journey begins with Savoir, a theme built around secret knowledge and symbolised by a powerful 30.56-carat triangle-cut Australian black opal, paired with a 28.01-carat emerald. In Maestria, a sculptural high-collar necklace fuses white and yellow gold with three Colombian emeralds and over 2,500 diamonds, a feat that took 2,730 hours to perfect. The crescendo comes in the Apogee, where Louis Vuitton's trunk-making heritage meets modern brilliance in a transformable necklace starring a 30.75-carat Brazilian pear-cut emerald and 10.56-carat LV Monogram Star-cut diamond. As the collection transitions through Connection – a diamond-and-pearl necklace woven like a second skin – it opens the door to The World of Creativity, where imagination is unchained. Motion flows with Sri Lankan sapphires in undulating waves, while Florescence blooms in vivid tourmalines, LV Monogram Star-cut diamonds, and pearls. Joy embraces colour in jubilant yellow gold, its stones shifting in hue and volume. Aura follows with ethereal pink tourmalines, interpreted through the maison's iconic flower motif. The crowning achievement of the collection, Eternal Sun, embodies the pinnacle of creative liberation. Showcasing an extraordinary ensemble of 27 rare, round yellow diamonds totalling 46.13 carats – painstakingly sourced over seven years – this masterpiece glows with golden intensity. Set in gold spirals, the necklace can be worn in six ways with its central 14-carat yellow diamond ingeniously designed to detach and transform into a statement ring, underscoring the maison's technical brilliance and imaginative flair. TIFFANY & CO The American jeweller dives into the ocean's depths with Blue Book 2025: Sea of Wonder, a high jewellery collection that captures the allure, motion, and mystery of the sea through exquisitely crafted masterpieces. Designed by the house's chief artistic officer Nathalie Verdeille, this new collection presents a surreal journey from figurative to abstract, drawing inspiration from Jean Schlumberger's legendary aquatic designs. The collection transforms the boundless variety of oceanic flora and fauna into an ethereal wonderland, featuring a colour palette that mirrors iridescent underwater light and bioluminescent creatures. Six distinct chapters explore different marine motifs, each reimagining the beauty of the deep through a contemporary lens. Seahorse opens the collection with a tribute to Schlumberger's 1968 brooches, reimagined with over 11 carats of unenhanced purple sapphires, moonstones, and diamonds. Sea Turtle creations combine diamond-rich shapes with intricate gold details, highlighting the geometry of turtle shells through meticulously engraved designs. A transformable pendant captures the creature's versatility, converting from necklace to brooch. Ocean Flora blooms with marine plant life, featuring exceptional unenhanced Zambian emeralds that appear to float above waves of diamonds. Taking artisans about 1,500 hours to complete, the chapter's key piece is an exquisite necklace that flaunts five matched emeralds totalling over 10 carats alongside 1,351 round brilliant diamonds exceeding 44 carats. The Starfish chapter glows with over four carats of rare unenhanced rubies from Mozambique, accented by brilliant diamonds, while Urchin pieces juxtapose sublime yellow diamonds with twisted gold rope inspired by Schlumberger's iconic 1961 sea urchin-inspired table clock. The collection culminates with the Wave chapter, where articulated pieces capture dramatic ocean movement through blue and green cuprian elbaite tourmalines totalling over 17 carats.
